YOUNGSTOWN Moody's raises YSU's credit rating, boosting attractiveness to investors

YOUNGSTOWN -- Citing continued enrollment increases, balanced operations and a strong financial base, Moody's Investors Service has upgraded Youngstown State University's credit rating from A3 to A2.
The rating indicates an upper-medium grade of bonds that are subject to low credit risk. The new rating affects $14.4 million of general receipts bonds, most of which were issued in the 1990s for the construction of YSU residence halls, said Terry Ondreyka, YSU's vice president for financial affairs.
Moody's Investors Services is a leading global provider of credit ratings, research and analysis for debt instruments and other securities in and across every segment of the world's capital markets.
Ondreyka said the upgraded rating makes YSU more attractive to investors. It also will result in interest savings for YSU as it issues new debt. In addition, the new rating will mean that the university can buy bond insurance at a lower price in the future, he said.